Research on ROI of using Pitchbook to connect with PE firms for Board and other roles
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Research on ROI of using Pitchbook to connect with PE firms for Board and other roles
Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer III
The PE Guru — Blackmore Partners, Inc | June 11th, 2024
To help you justify the investment in a PitchBook license and BlackmoreConnects™ membership, let’s break down the key factors and benefits visually. We’ll compare the costs, benefits, and potential return on investment (ROI) of each option, along with the risks of not investing. Here’s a visual representation to aid in your decision-making process:
Investment Justification and Trade-offs
- PitchBook License
- Cost: $28,000/year
- Benefits:
- Access to comprehensive data on PE firms and portfolio companies.
- Tools for market research, deal sourcing, and benchmarking.
- Streamlined outreach to target 200+ PE firms.
- Regular updates on PE market trends and firm activities.
- Pros:
- Extensive database and analytics tools.
- Direct access to detailed PE firm information.
- Facilitates identifying and targeting the right firms.
- Cons:
- High cost.
- Requires time to learn and utilize effectively.
- BlackmoreConnects™ Membership (Including PitchBook Access)
- Cost: $10,000/year (with 6 conference packages)
- Benefits:
- Access to PitchBook data.
- Training on PE language and interview techniques.
- Networking opportunities with PE decision-makers.
- Personalized 1-on-1 coaching.
- Strategies for creating a compelling deal thesis.
- Conferences for direct introductions to PE firms.
- Pros:
- Cost-effective access to PitchBook.
- Comprehensive training and support.
- Networking and direct introductions.
- Ongoing coaching and personalized advice.
- Cons:
- Additional commitment to attend conferences.
- Dependent on the quality of coaching and networking events.
- Doing It Yourself
- Cost: Variable (mainly your time and potentially lower direct costs)
- Benefits:
- Flexibility to tailor your own research and networking approach.
- Savings on subscription and membership fees.
- Pros:
- Lower direct financial costs.
- Total control over your approach and strategies.
- Cons:
- It is time-consuming to gather data and contacts.
- Limited access to comprehensive PE firm information.
- There is a greater risk of missing out on key networking opportunities.
- Potentially slower progress towards your goal.
Visual Representation
Comparison Chart
Factor | PitchBook ($28K) | BlackmoreConnects™ ($10K) | DIY Approach |
Cost | High | Medium | Low |
Access to Data | Extensive | Extensive | Limited |
Training & Coaching | None | Extensive | None |
Networking Opportunities | Limited | Extensive | Limited |
Time Commitment | High (learning curve) | Medium (conferences, training) | Very High (self-research) |
Success Likelihood | High | Very High | Medium |
Potential Return on Investment (ROI)
Assuming a successful exit goal of $10 million:
- PitchBook ROI Calculation:
- Cost: $28,000/year
- Potential Gain: $10,000,000
- Net Gain: $9,972,000
- BlackmoreConnects™ ROI Calculation:
- Cost: $10,000/year
- Potential Gain: $10,000,000
- Net Gain: $9,990,000
- DIY Approach ROI Calculation:
- Cost: Minimal (mainly time)
- Potential Gain: $10,000,000
- Net Gain: $10,000,000 (but with potentially lower probability of success and higher time investment)
Conclusion:
Justification:
- PitchBook offers comprehensive data and tools that can significantly increase your efficiency in targeting the right PE firms, albeit at a high cost.
- BlackmoreConnects™ provides a more holistic approach, combining data access, training, and networking at a lower cost, which can enhance your likelihood of success.
- The DIY Approach offers flexibility and lower costs but comes with higher risks and time investment.
Given your goal of a $10M exit and the need to overcome common pitfalls in landing a PE role, investing in BlackmoreConnects™ seems the most balanced approach. It provides you with essential resources and support while being more cost-effective than a standalone PitchBook license.
Considerations:
- Economic Downturn: Ensure that the chosen investment (BlackmoreConnects™) offers robust support during economic uncertainties. Networking and training can help mitigate risks by adapting strategies to current market conditions.
In summary, BlackmoreConnects™ stands out as the most viable option to maximize your chances of a successful exit while providing essential tools and support at a reasonable cost.
For more detailed insights on how to effectively navigate the job market as a C-suite executive and leverage opportunities through Blackmore